London: The official effigy of King Charles III, which will be used on coins after his succession to the throne, was unveiled by Britain’s Royal Mint on Friday.
The effigy was created by British sculptor Martin Jennings and was given the new king’s personal approval.
A unique £5 coin and a 50p coin honouring the life of Queen Elizabeth II will be the first coins with the king’s image on them.
Jennings claimed that a photo of the Charles served as the model for his portrait.
It is the smallest piece I have ever produced, but knowing that people will view and hold it for generations to come is humbling, he said.
In line with royal tradition, Charles’s portrait faces to the left, the opposite direction to his late mother.
A Latin inscription surrounding the effigy translates as “King Charles III, by the Grace of God, Defender of the Faith”.
The image of Charles will begin to appear on coins in circulation and on commemorative pieces in the coming months, the Royal Mint said in a statement.
Two new portraits of Elizabeth will feature on the reverse of the commemorative five pound coin.
The Royal Mint has been responsible for depicting monarchs on coins for over 1,100 years since Alfred the Great.
Elizabeth died on September 8 following a record-breaking 70 years on the throne.
Kevin Clancy, director of the Royal Mint Museum, said late queen had appeared on more coins than any other British monarch.
“Over the coming years it will become common for people to find coins bearing His Majesty and Queen Elizabeth II’s effigy in their change,” he said.
The Royal Mint said historically it had been commonplace for coins featuring the effigies of different monarchs to co-circulate.
“This ensures a smooth transition, with minimal environmental impact and cost.”
There are currently around 27 billion coins circulating in the UK bearing the effigy of Queen Elizabeth II.
“These will be replaced over time as they become damaged or worn and to meet demand for additional coins,” the Royal Mint added.
